Emmanuel Frimpong who has emerged as a very reliable deputy to Alexander Song in anchoring the midfield is seriously contemplating switching national allegiance to Ghana. The Arsenal midfielder has long flirted with the idea but it appears he’s come to a decision after meeting with Ghanaian FA officials earlier this week. On Tuesday, Frimpong tweeted.
“I have Done My Part For the Love of The country Now Lets Wait and See The Outcome……”
The implications for Arsenal are enormous as Frimpong could potentially be away from the side for as long as three weeks in January on Africa Cup of Nations duty. In addition, Arsenal will miss Gervinho, representing Cote D’Ivoire. Further damage was limited when Cameroon failed to qualify for the ACN which means Arsenal can breathe easier knowing Alexander Song is in the line up.
The long term could see three key players flitting in and out on qualifications and the final event itself further unsettling a newly cobbled together Arsenal. The holding midfielder role has never assumed greater significance in a season punctuated by periods of less sure footed possession. Francis Coquelin thrown to the lions at Old Trafford did as well as he could in an emergency but the absence of both Song and Frimpong saw Utd running riot in a vacant parking lot.
Very few have traversed a steep trajectory in so short a time as Frimpong who shows he has the goods to contend with the best. He was very impressive in his Liverpool performance till his momentary lapse of reason got him sent off. His display offered the best rationalization for Wenger’s failure to pursue Yann M”Villa. Now, the equation has changed with both holding midfielders likely to be away for chunks of time at crucial intervals. There is also the fact that Frimpong although very good has shown a rawness and unnecessary impetuousness.
There are other considerations at play given that Song has his streaks of adventurism and a candidate like Yann M’Villa could provide the backbone in a two holding midfielder set. Arsenal need to stop leaking goals and close that yawning goal differential. It could prove crucial in keeping out a horde jostling for that fourth spot.
This has become a priority area to strengthen in the January transfer window.